Goalie Riku Helenius will soon return to the comfort of his extended family and turn his attention toward hockey again.

Syracuse Crunch coach Rob Zettler said on Tuesday that Helenius' mother recently died. Helenius had been in Finland helping to take care of her since early April.

Zettler said Helenius, the team's backup, could return to the Crunch within the next few days. Zettler said he's been keeping in touch with Helenius but doesn't know how close he is to hockey shape.

No. 1 goalie Cedrick Desjardins has played every minute during Syracuse's first two playoff series. It's unclear if or when Helenius might be able to contribute again this season, an uncertainty that dwindles in importance right now.

"I think everybody understands he will be spent. I will have to talk to talk to him when he gets here, see how he's feeling,'' Zettler said. "That (the loss) is a big deal. That's a lot he's going through.''